Planter monitor system and method

ABSTRACT

A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

BACKGROUND

Annually in the United States, over 70 million corn acres are planted byapproximately 40,000 growers, resulting in over 12 billion bushels ofcorn harvested annually, which, in-turn, translates into annual revenuesin excess of $20 billion. Many growers recognize that one of the mostinfluential and controllable factors affecting the productivity of eachacre planted is the quality of seed placement. If a grower can beprovided with more information earlier about seed placement qualitywhile planting, the grower will be able to make earlier corrections oradjustments to the planter or its operation which could increaseproduction by three to nine bushels per acre, which at today's pricestranslates into an additional $9.00 to $27.00 of additional income peracre at no cost. The net gain to growers and the US economy from suchproduction increases would amount to hundreds of millions of dollarsannually.

Although existing monitors may warn the planter operator about certain“yield-robbing events,” many operators simply ignore the warnings ordelay making any corrections or adjustments until it is convenient forthe operator to do so (such as at the end of the field or when refillingthe hoppers, etc.). The lack of motivation to take immediate correctiveaction may be due to the operator not knowing or not fully appreciatingthe extent of economic loss caused by the yield robbing event. Anotherpossibility may be that because most existing planter monitors provideonly broad averages across the entire planter in terms of seeds per acreor singulation percentage, the operator may not know that a particularrow is suffering from a yield robbing event if the overall averagepopulation or singulation appears to be inline with the target ordesired values.

“Yield-robbing events” are generally caused by one of two types oferrors, namely, metering errors and placement errors. Metering errorsoccur when, instead of seeds being discharged one at a time, eithermultiple seeds are discharged from the meter simultaneously (typicallyreferred to as “multiplies” or “doubles”), or when no seed is dischargedfrom the meter when one should have been (typically referred to as a“skip”). It should be appreciated that seed multiples and seed skipswill result in a net loss in yield when compared to seeds planted withproper spacing because closely spaced plants will produce smaller earsdue to competition for water and nutrients. Similarly, seed skips willresult in a net loss in yield even though adjacent plants will typicallyproduce larger ears as a result of less competition for water andnutrients due to the missing plant.

Placement errors occur when the travel time between sequentiallyreleased seeds is irregular or inconsistent as compared to the timeinterval when the seeds were discharged from the seed meter, therebyresulting in irregular spacing between adjacent seeds in the furrow.Placement errors typically result from seed ricochet within the seedtube caused by the seed not entering the seed tube at the properlocation, or by irregularities or obstructions along the path of theseed within the seed tube, or due to excessive vertical accelerations ofthe row unit as the planter traverses the field.

Beyond metering errors and placement errors, another yield robbing eventis attributable to inappropriate soil compaction adjacent to the seed,either due to inadequate down pressure exerted by the gauge wheels onthe surrounding soil or excessive down pressure exerted by the gaugewheels. As discussed more thoroughly in commonly owned, co-pending PCTApplication No. PCT/US08/50427, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference, if too little downforce is exerted by the gaugewheels or other depth regulating member, the disk blades may notpenetrate into the soil to the full desired depth and/or the soil maycollapse into the furrow as the seeds are being deposited resulting inirregular seed depth. However, if excessive down force is applied, poorroot penetration may result in weaker stands and which may place thecrops under unnecessary stress during dry conditions. Excessivedownforce may also result in the re-opening of the furrow affectinggermination or causing seedling death.

While some experienced operators may be able to identify certain typesof corrective actions needed to minimize or reduce particular types ofyield robbing events once properly advised of their occurrence and theireconomic impact, other operators may not be able to so readily identifythe type of corrective actions required, particularly those with lessplanting experience generally, or when the operator has switched to anew make or model planter.

Accordingly, there is a need for a monitor system and method that iscapable of providing the operator with near real-time data concerningyield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yieldrobbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt correctiveaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of aplanter monitor system of the present invention for monitoring theoperation and performance of a planter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of convention row crop planter.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a row unit of the conventional rowcrop planter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gauge wheel height adjustmentmechanism of the conventional row crop planter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an example of the preferred Level 1 Screen display for amonitor system in accordance with the present invention showing apreferred format for reporting overall planter performance details.

FIG. 6 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2 PopulationDetails screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing apreferred format for reporting population performance by row.

FIG. 7 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2Singulation Details screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5showing a preferred format for reporting singulation performance by row.

FIG. 8 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2 PlacementDetails screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing apreferred format for reporting placement performance by row.

FIG. 9 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 3 Row Detailscreen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing a preferredformat for reporting specific row performance details.

FIG. 10 is an example of a Row Selection screen display for the monitorsystem of FIG. 5 showing a preferred format for selecting a row of theplanter to view additional details of that row such as identified inFIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is an example of a screen display for the monitor system of FIG.5 showing a preferred format for setup and configuration.

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen display for selecting or inputtingcrop type during setup.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen display for inputting populationsettings during setup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 isa schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a planter monitorsystem 1000 of the present invention for monitoring the operation andperformance of a planter 10. As is conventional, the preferred plantermonitor system 1000 includes a visual display 1002 and user interface1004, preferably a touch screen graphic user interface (GUI). Thepreferred touch screen GUI 1004 is preferably supported within a housing1006 which also houses a microprocessor, memory and other applicablehardware and software for receiving, storing, processing, communicating,displaying and performing the various preferred features and functionsas hereinafter described (hereinafter, collectively, the “processingcircuitry”) as readily understood by those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the preferred planter monitor system 1000preferably cooperates and/or interfaces with various external devicesand sensors as hereinafter described, including, for example, a GPS unit100, a plurality of seed sensors 200, one or more load sensors 300, oneor more inclinometers 400, vertical accelerometers 500, horizontalaccelerometers 600, vacuum sensors 700 (for planters with pneumaticmetering systems), or any other sensor for monitoring the planter or theenvironment that may affect planting operations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional row-crop planter 10 such as a JohnDeere MaxEmerge or MaxEmerge Plus planter in connection with which theplanter monitor system and method of the present invention may be used.It should be appreciated that although reference is made throughout thisspecification to row-crop planters and, in particular, certain models ofJohn Deere planters, such references are simply examples to providecontext and a frame of reference for the subject matter discussed. Assuch, the present planter monitor system and method should not beconstrued as being limited for use with any particular make or model ofplanter. Likewise, the present planter monitor system should not beconstrued as being limited to row-crop planters, since the features andfunctionalities of the monitor system may have application to graindrills or other planter types as well.

The planter 10 includes a plurality of spaced row-units 12 supportedalong a toolbar 14 of the planter main frame 13. The planter main frame13 attaches to a tractor 15 in a conventional manner, such as by adrawbar 17 or three-point hitch arrangement as is well known in the art.Ground wheel assemblies (not shown) support the main frame 13 above theground surface and are moveable relative to the main frame 13 throughactuation of the planter's hydraulic system (not shown) coupled to thetractor's hydraulics to raise and lower the planter main frame 13between a transport position and a planting position, respectively.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each row unit 12 is supported from thetoolbar by a parallel linkage 16 which permits each row unit 12 to movevertically independently of the toolbar 14 and the other spaced rowunits in order to accommodate changes in terrain or upon the row unitencountering a rock or other obstruction as the planter is drawn throughthe field. Biasing means 18, such as springs, air bags, hydraulic orpneumatic cylinders or the like, act on the parallel linkage 16 to exerta downforce on the row unit for purposes discussed in detail later. Eachrow unit 12 further includes a front mounting bracket 20 to which ismounted a hopper support beam 22 and a subframe 24. The hopper supportbeam 22 supports a seed hopper 26 and a fertilizer hopper 28 as well asoperably supporting a seed meter 30 and seed tube 32. The subframe 24operably supports a furrow opening assembly 34 and a furrow closingassembly 36.

In operation, the furrow opening assembly cuts a furrow 38 (FIGS. 3 and4) into the soil surface 40 as the planter is drawn through the field.The seed hopper 26, which holds the seeds to be planted, communicates aconstant supply of seeds 42 to the seed meter 30. The seed meter 30 ofeach row unit 12 is typically coupled to the ground wheels through useof shafts, chains, sprockets, transfer cases, etc., as is well known inthe art, such that individual seeds 42 are metered and discharged intothe seed tube 32 at regularly spaced intervals based on the seedpopulation desired and the speed at which the planter is drawn throughthe field. The seed 42 drops from the end of the seed tube 32 into thefurrow 38 and the seeds 42 are covered with soil by the closing wheelassembly 36.

The furrow opening assembly 34 typically includes a pair of flat furrowopening disk blades 44, 46 and a depth regulation assembly 47. In theembodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the depth regulation assembly 47 comprisesa pair of gauge wheels 48, 50 selectively vertically adjustable relativeto the disk blades 44, 46 by a height adjusting mechanism 49. It shouldbe appreciated, however, that instead of dual opening disks and dualgauge wheels as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the planter 10may utilize any other suitable furrow opener and depth regulationassembly suitable for cutting a furrow in the soil and regulating orcontrolling the depth of that furrow.

In the planter embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the disk blades 44, 46 arerotatably supported on a shaft 52 mounted to a shank 54 depending fromthe subframe 24. The disk blades 44, 46 are canted such that the outerperipheries of the disks come in close contact at the point of entry 56into the soil and diverge outwardly and upwardly away from the directionof travel of the planter as indicated by the arrow 58. Thus, as theplanter 10 is drawn through the field, the furrow opening disks 44, 46cut a V-shaped furrow 38 through the soil surface 40 as previouslydescribed.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, gauge wheel arms 60, 62 pivotallysupport the gauge wheels 48, 50 from the subframe 24 about a first axis61. The gauge wheels 48, 50 are rotatably mounted to the forwardlyextending gauge wheel arms 60, 62 at a second axis 63. The gauge wheels48, 50 are slightly larger in diameter than the disk blades 44, 46 suchthat the outer peripheries of the disk blades rotate at a slightlygreater velocity than the gauge wheel peripheries. Each of the gaugewheels 48, 50 includes a flexible lip 64 (FIG. 4) at its interior facewhich contacts the outer face of the respective disk blade 44, 46 at thearea 66 (FIG. 3) where the disk blades exit the soil. It should beappreciated that as the opening disks 44, 46 exit the soil after slicingthe V-shaped furrow 38, the soil, particularly in wet conditions, willtend to adhere to the disk, which, if not prevented, would cause thefurrow walls to be torn away as the disk rotates out of the soil causingpoor furrow formation and/or collapse of the furrow walls, resulting inirregular seed planting depth. Thus, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and4, to prevent the furrow walls from tearing away as the disk blades exitthe soil, the gauge wheels 48, 50 are positioned to compact the strip ofsoil adjacent to the furrow while at the same time serving to scrapeagainst the outer face of the disks 44, 46 to shear off any soil buildupas the disks exit the soil. Accordingly, the opening disks 44, 46 andthe gauge wheels 48, 50 cooperate to firm and form uniform furrow wallsat the desired depth.

In the planter embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the depth adjustmentmechanism 67 which is used to vary the depth of the seed furrow 38 isaccomplished through the vertical adjustment of the gauge wheels 48, 50relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46 by selectivepositioning of a height adjustment arm 68. In this embodiment, a heightadjusting arm 68 is pivotally supported from the subframe 24 by a pin 70(FIGS. 3 and 5). An upper end 72 of the height adjusting arm 68 isselectively positionable along the subframe 24. As best illustrated inFIG. 5, a rocker 76 is loosely pinned to the lower end 74 of the heightadjusting arm 68 by a pin or bolt 78. The rocker 76 bears against theupper surfaces of the pivotable gauge wheel arms 60, 62, thereby servingas a stop to prevent the gauge wheel arms 60, 62 from pivotingcounterclockwise about the first pivot axis 61 as indicated by arrow 82.Thus, it should be appreciated that as the upper end 72 of the heightadjusting arm 68 is selectively positioned, the position of therocker/stop 76 will move accordingly relative to the gauge wheel arms60, 62. For example, referring to FIG. 5, as the upper end 72 of theheight adjusting arm 68 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 84,the position of the rocker/stop 76 will move upwardly away from thegauge wheel arms 60, 62, allowing the gauge wheels 48, 50 to movevertically upwardly relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46such that more of the disk blade will extend below the bottom of thegauge wheels 48, 50, thereby permitting the furrow opening disk blades44, 46 to penetrate further into the soil. Likewise, if the upper end 72of the height adjusting arm 68 is moved in the direction indicated byarrow 86, the rocker/stop 76 will move downwardly toward the gauge wheelarms 60, 62, causing the gauge wheels 48, 50 to move verticallydownwardly relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46, therebyshortening the penetration depth of the disk blades into the soil. Whenplanting row crops such as corn and soybeans, the position of therocker/stop 76 is usually set such that the furrow opening disk blades44, 46 extend below the bottom of the gauge wheels 48, 50 to create afurrow depth between one to three inches.

In addition to serving as a stop as previously described, the looselypinned rocker 76 serves the dual function of “equalizing” ordistributing the load carried by the two gauge wheels 48, 50, therebyresulting in more uniform furrow depth. It should be appreciated thatduring planting operations, substantially the entire live and dead loadof the row unit 12 along with the supplemental downforce exerted by thebiasing means 18 will be carried by the gauge wheels 48, 50 after theopening disks 44, 46 penetrate the soil to the depth where the gaugewheel arms 60, 62 encounter the pre-selected stop position of the rocker76. This load is transferred by the pin 78 through the rocker 76 to thegauge wheel arms 60, 62. Because the rocker 76 is loosely pinned to theheight adjusting arm 68, the row unit load is distributed substantiallyequally between the two gauge wheel arms 60, 62 such that one-half ofthe load is carried by each arm 60, 62. Thus, for example, if gaugewheel 48 encounters an obstruction such as a rock or hard soil clod, thegauge wheel arm 60 will be forced upwardly as the gauge wheel 48 ridesup and over the obstruction. Since the rocker 76 is connected to theheight adjusting arm 68 by the pin 78, the rocker 76 will pivot aboutpin 78 causing an equal but opposite downward force on the other arm 62.As such, the rocker 76 equalizes or distributes the load between the twogauge wheels. If there was no rocker such that lower end 74 of theheight adjusting arm 68 was simply a bearing surface, upon one of thegauge wheels encountering an obstruction or uneven terrain, the entireload of the row unit 12 would be carried by that single gauge wheel asit rides up and over the obstruction or until the terrain was againlevel. Again, as previously stated, the specific reference to theforegoing components describing the type of furrow opening assembly,depth regulation member, seed meter, etc., may vary depending on thetype of planter.

There are various types of commercially available seed meters 30 whichcan generally be divided into two categories on the basis of the seedselection mechanism employed, namely, mechanical or pneumatic. The mostcommon commercially available mechanical meters include finger-pickupmeters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,601 to Hansen (“Hansen'601”), cavity-disc meters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,233to Lodico et al. (“Lodico “233”), and belt meters such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,992,338 to Romans (“Romans '338”), each of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The most commoncommercially available pneumatic meters include vacuum-disc meters suchas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,606 to Gugenhan (“Gugenhan '606”)and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,909 to Lundie et al. (“Lundie '909”) andpositive-air meters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,979 toDeckler (“Deckler '979”), each of which is also incorporated herein inits entirety by reference. The planter monitor system and method of thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited for use inconnection with any particular type of seed meter.

The GPS unit 100, such as a Deluo PMB-288 available from Deluo, LLC,10084 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise, Fla. 33351, or other suitable device, isused to monitor the speed and the distances traveled by the planter 10.As will be discussed in more detail later, preferably the output of theGPS unit 100, including the planter speed and distances traveled by theplanter, is communicated to the monitor 1000 for display to the planteroperator and/or for use in various algorithms for deriving relevant dataused in connection with the preferred system and method of the presentinvention.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the preferred planter monitorsystem 1000 preferably utilizes the existing seed sensors 200 andassociated wiring harness 202 typically found on virtually allconventional planters 10. The most common or prevalent type of seedsensors are photoelectric sensors, such as manufactured by Dickey-JohnCorporation, 5200 Dickey-John Road, Auburn, Ill. 62615. A typicalphotoelectric sensor generally includes a light source element and alight receiving element disposed over apertures in the forward andrearward walls of the seed tube. In operation, whenever a seed passesbetween the light source and the light receiver, the passing seedinterrupts the light beam causing the sensor 200 to generate anelectrical signal indicating the detection of the passing seed. Thegenerated electrical signals are communicated to the monitor 1000 viathe wiring harness 202 or by a suitable wireless communication means. Itshould be appreciated that any other type of seed sensors capable ofproducing an electrical signal to designate the passing of a seed may beequally or better suited for use in connection with the system andmethod of the present invention. Therefore the present invention shouldnot be construed as being limited to any particular type of seed sensor.

As previously identified, the preferred planter monitor system 1000 alsoutilizes load sensor 300 disposed to generate load signals correspondingto the loading experienced by or exerted on the depth regulation member47. The load sensor 300 and associated processing circuitry may compriseany suitable components for detecting such loading conditions, includingfor example, the sensors and circuitry as disclosed in PCT/US08/50427,previously incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Asdiscussed in more detail later, the loading experienced by or exerted onthe gauge wheels 48, 50 or whatever other depth regulating member isbeing used, is preferably one of the values displayed to the operator onthe screen of the visual display 1002 and may also be used in connectionwith the preferred system and method to report the occurrence of yieldrobbing events (i.e., loss of furrow depth or excess soil compaction)and/or for automated adjustment of the supplemental downforce, ifsupported by the planter.

An inclinometer 400 is preferably mounted to the front mounting bracket20 of at least one row unit 12 of the planter 10 in order to detect theangle of the row unit 12 with respect to vertical. Because the row unit12 is connected by a parallel linkage 16 to the transverse toolbar 14comprising a part of the planter frame 13, the angle of the frontbracket 20 with respect to vertical will substantially correspond to theangle of the frame and toolbar 13, 14. It should be appreciated that ifthe planter drawbar is substantially horizontal, the front bracket 20will be substantially vertical. Thus, if the drawbar is not level, thefront bracket will not be substantially vertical, thereby causing therow units to be inclined. If the row unit is inclined, the furrowopening assembly 36 will cut either a deeper or more shallow furrow thenas set by the depth adjustment mechanism 67 thereby resulting in poorgermination and seedling growth. As such, data from the inclinometer 400may be used in connection with the preferred system and method to detectand/or report potential yield robbing events and/or for automaticadjustment of the planter, if so equipped, to produce the necessarycorrection to level the row unit. For example, if the inclinometer 400detects that the front bracket is not substantially vertical, it mayinitiate an alarm condition to advise the operator that the tongue isnot level, the potential affects on seed placement, and will preferablydisplay on the monitor screen 1002 the appropriate corrective action totake.

As previously identified, the preferred planter monitor system 1000 alsopreferably includes a vertical accelerometer 500 and a horizontalaccelerometer 600. Preferably the vertical accelerometer 500 andhorizontal accelerometer 600 are part of a single device along with theinclinometer 400.

The vertical accelerometer 500 measures the vertical velocity of the rowunit 12 as the planter traverses the field, thereby providing data as tohow smoothly the row unit is riding over the soil, which is importantbecause the smoothness of the ride of the row unit can affect seedspacing. For example, if a seed is discharged from the seed meter justas the row unit encounters an obstruction, such as a rock, the row unitwill be forced upwardly, causing the seed to have a slight upwardvertical velocity. As the row unit passes over the obstruction, and isforced back downwardly by the biasing means 18, or if the row unitenters a depression, a subsequent seed being discharged by the seedmeter 30 will have a slight downward vertical velocity. Thus, all otherfactors being equal, the second seed with the initial downwardlyimparted velocity will reach the ground surface in less time than thefirst seed have the initial upwardly imparted velocity, therebyaffecting seed spacing. As such, data from the vertical accelerometer500 may also be used in connection with the preferred system and methodto identify and/or report seed placement yield robbing events resultingfrom rough field conditions, excessive planter speed and/or inadequatedownforce exerted by the biasing means 18. This information may be usedto diagnose planter performance for automatic adjustment and/orproviding recommendations to the operator pursuant to the preferredsystem and method of the present invention for taking corrective action,including, for example, increasing down force to reduce verticalvelocities or reducing tractor/planter speed.

The horizontal accelerometer 600, like the inclinometer 400 providesdata that may be used in connection with the preferred method todiagnose planter performance and/or for providing recommendations to theoperator pursuant to the preferred system and method of the presentinvention for taking corrective action. For example, horizontalaccelerations are known to increase as the bushings of the parallellinkage 16 wear. Thus, if the ratio of the standard deviation of thehorizontal acceleration over the standard deviation of the verticalacceleration increases, it is likely that the bushings or other loadtransferring members of the parallel linkage are worn and need to bereplaced.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-13, FIG. 5 is an example the preferred Level 1Screen for the planter monitor system 1000; FIGS. 6-8 are examples ofpreferred Level 2 Screens; FIGS. 9-10 are examples of preferred Level 3Screens; FIG. 11 is an example of a preferred Setup screen; and FIGS.12-13 are examples of preferred Level 4 screens. Each of the screens isdiscussed below.

Level 1 Screen (FIG. 5)

The Level 1 Screen 1010 is so named because it is preferably the defaultscreen that will be displayed on the monitor display 1012 unless theoperator selects a different screen level to view as discussed later.The preferred Level 1 Screen 1010 includes a plurality of windowscorresponding to different planter performance details, including a SeedPopulation Window 1012, a Singulation Window 1014, a Skips/MultiplesWindow 1016, a Good Spacing Window 1018, a Smooth Ride Window 1020, aSpeed Window 1022, a Vacuum Window 1024 (when applicable), a DownforceWindow 1028 and an Economic Loss Window 1028. Each of these windows andthe method of deriving the values displayed therein are discussed below.In addition the Level 1 Screen 1010 preferably includes various functionbuttons, including a Setup button 1030, a Row Details button 1032, aSnapShot button 1034 and a Back button 1036, each of which is discussedlater.

Population Window 1012: The Population Window 1012 preferably includes anumeric seed population value 1100, preferably updated every second(i.e., 1 Hz cycles), representing the running average of the number ofseeds (in thousands) being planted per acre over a predefined samplingfrequency, preferably 1 Hz. This seed population value 1100 is based onthe following formula:

${{Seed}\mspace{14mu} {population}\mspace{14mu} 1030} = {0.001 \times \frac{SeedCount}{{Rows} \times {{Spacing}({ft})} \times {{Dist}({ft})}} \times 43500\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}\text{/}{acre}}$Where:Seedcount = Total  number  of  seeds  detected  by  Sensors  200  in  all  rows  during  sample  frequency.Rows = Number  of  planter  rows  designated  during  Setup  (discussed  later)Spacing = Planter  row  spacing  designated  during  SetupDist = Distance  (ft)  traveled  by  planter  based  on  input  from  GPS  unit  100  during  the  sample  frequency

Thus, for example, assuming the seed sensors 200 detect a total of 240seeds over the preferred 1 Hz cycle, and assuming the planter is asixteen row planter with thirty inch rows (i.e., 2.5 ft) and the averagespeed of the planter is six miles per hour (i.e. 8.8 ft/sec) during the1 Hz cycle, the seed population would be:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Seed}\mspace{14mu} {population}}\; = {0.001 \times \frac{240}{( {16 \times 2.5\mspace{14mu} {ft} \times 8.8\mspace{14mu} {ft}} )} \times 43500\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}\text{/}{acre}}} \\{= 29.6}\end{matrix}$

In the preferred embodiment, however, although the seed population value1100 is updated or re-published every second, the actual seed populationis not based on a single one-second seed count. Instead, in thepreferred embodiment, the seeds 9 detected over the previous one secondare added to a larger pool of accumulated one-second seed counts fromthe preceding ten seconds. Each time a new one-second seed count isadded, the oldest one-second seed count is dropped from the pool and theaverage seed population is recalculated based on the newest data, thisrecalculated average is then published every second in the SeedPopulation Window 1012.

In addition to identifying the seed population value 1100 as justidentified, the preferred Seed Population Window 1012 also preferablydisplays a graph 1102 for graphical representation of the calculatedaverage seed population 1100 relative to the target population 1338(FIG. 11) (specified during Setup as discussed later) designated by ahash mark 1104. Corresponding hash marks 1106, 1108 represent thepopulation deviation limits 1342 (FIG. 11) (also specified during Setupas discussed later). An indicator 1110, such as a large diamond, forexample, is used to represent the calculated average population. Otherdistinguishable indicators 1112, such as smaller diamonds, represent thecorresponding population rate of the individual rows relative to thetarget hash mark 1104. Additionally, the Seed Population window 1012also preferably identifies, by row number, the lowest population row1114 (i.e., the planter row that is planting at the lowest populationrate, which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 23) and the highestpopulation row 1116 (i.e., the planter row that is planting at thehighest population rate, which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 19)along with their respective population rates 1118, 1120.

In the preferred system and method, the monitor preferably provides somesort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator of the occurrenceof any yield robbing events related to population. Preferably, if theyield robbing event concerns population, only the Population Window 1012will indicate an alarm condition. An alarm condition related topopulation may include, for example, the occurrence of the calculatedseed population value 1100 falling outside of the population deviationlimits 1342 specified during setup. Another alarm condition may occurwhen the population of any row is less than 80% of the target population1338. Another alarm condition related to population may include theoccurrence of one or more rows falling outside the population deviationlimits for a predefined time period or sampling frequency, for examplefive consecutive 1 Hz cycles, even though an average population of thoserows is in excess 80% of the target population 1338. Yet another alarmcondition may occur when there is a “row failure” which may be deemed tooccur if the sensor 200 fails to detect the passing of any seeds for aspecified time period, such as four times T_(presumed) (discussedbelow).

As previously identified, upon the occurrence of any of the foregoingalarm conditions, or any other alarm condition as may be defined andprogrammed into the monitor system 1000, the Population window 1012preferably provides a visual or audible alarm to alert the operator ofthe occurrence of the alarm condition. For example, in the preferredembodiment, if the calculated seed population value 1100 is within thespecified population deviation 1342 (e.g., 1000 seeds) of the targetpopulation 1338 (e.g., 31200 seeds), the background of the PopulationWindow 1012 is preferably green. If, however, the calculated seedpopulation value 1100 falls below the target population 1338 by morethan the specified population deviation, the Population Window 1012preferably turns yellow. Alternatively, the Population Window 1012 mayflash or provide some other visual or audible alarm under other alarmconditions. Obviously, many different alarm conditions can be definedand many different visual and/or audible indications of an alarmcondition may be programmed into the monitor system 1000 as recognizedby those of skill in the art.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 ofthe monitor system 1000 allows the operator to select different areas ofthe Population Window 1012 which will cause the monitor to displayadditional relevant detail related to the feature selected. For example,if the operator touches the calculated seed population value 1100, thescreen changes to display the Level 2 Population Details screen (FIG.6). If the operator touches the area of the screen in the PopulationWindow 1012 in which the low population row 1114 is displayed, thescreen changes to the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) which displays thedetails of that specific row. Similarly, if the operator touches thearea of the screen in the Population Window 1012 in which the highpopulation row 1116 is displayed, the screen changes to the Row Detailsscreen (FIG. 9) which displays the details of that specific row.

Singulation Window 1014: The Singulation Window 1014 preferably includesa numeric percent singulation value 1122, preferably published at 1 Hzcycles, representing the running average of the percentage singulationover the predefined sampling frequency, preferably 2 kHz (0.5 msec). Inorder to determine the percent singulation value 1122 it is firstnecessary to identify the skips and multiples occurring during thesampling period. Once the number of skips and multiples within thesampling period is known in relation to the number of “good” seeds(i.e., properly singulated seeds), then the percent singulation value1100 can be calculated as identified later.

The preferred system and method includes a criteria for distinguishingwhen a skip or a multiple occurs. In the preferred system and method,every signal generated by the sensor 200 is classified into one of sixclassifications, i.e., “good”, “skip”, “multiple”, “misplaced2”,“misplaced4”, and “non-seed”. A “good” seed is recorded when a signal isgenerated within a predefined time window when the signal was expectedto have occurred based on planter speed and set target population whichtogether define the presumed time interval (T_(presumed)). A “skip” isrecorded when the time between the preceding signal and the next signalis greater than or equal to 1.65 T_(presumed). A “multiple” is recordedwhen the time between the preceding signal and the next signal is lessthan or equal to 0.35 T_(presumed). In order to accurately distinguishbetween metering errors resulting in true skips and true multiples asopposed to the seeds simply being misplaced due to placement errorsresulting after discharge by the seed meter (i.e, ricochet, differencesin vertical acceleration, etc.), the initial classifications arepreferably validated before being recorded as skips or multiples. Tovalidate the initial classifications, the monitor is programmed tocompare changes in the average value for the last five time intervalsrelative to the average for the last twenty time intervals (T20 _(Avg)).In the preferred system, if the 5-seed interval average (T5 _(Avg)) ismore than 1.15 T20 _(Avg) for more than three consecutive calculations,then the original classification of a skip is validated and recorded asa true skip. If T5 _(Avg) is less than 0.85 T20 _(Avg) for more thanthree consecutive calculations, then the original classification of amultiple is validated and recorded as a true multiple. If the foregoinglimits are not exceeded, then the originally classified skip isreclassified as “good,” and the originally classified multiple isreclassified as a “misplaced” seed. Thus, by validating the originalclassifications, metering errors are distinguished from placementerrors, thereby providing the operator with more accurate information asto the planter operation and the occurrence of yield robbing events.

The “misplaced2” classification refers to a seed that is within twoinches of an adjacent seed. Before a seed is recorded as a “misplaced2”the average spacing is calculated based on population and row spacing. Atime threshold (T2 _(threshold)) is calculated to classify “misplaced2”seeds by the equation:

T2_(threshold) =T _(presumed)×(2÷average spacing (inches)).

The “misplaced 4” classification refers to a seed that is within fourinches of an adjacent seed. A time threshold (T4 _(threshold)) iscalculated to classify “misplaced4” seeds by the equation:

T4_(threshold) =T _(presumed)×(4÷average spacing (inches)).

Thus, a seed is classified as a misplaced4 seed when the time intervalbetween the preceding signal and the next signal is greater than the T2_(threshold) but less than T4 _(threshold).

In order to account for occasional instances when a train of dust orother debris cascades through the seed tube resulting in a rapidgeneration of signal pulses, the monitor system preferably classifiesthe entire series of rapid signal pulses as “non-seed” occurrences (eventhough seeds were still passing through the tube along with the train ofdust or debris) rather then recording the rapid signal pulses as astring of multiples or misplaced seeds. However, in order to maintain arelatively accurate seed count and relatively accurate singulationpercentage, the monitor system is preferably programmed to fill in thenumber of seeds that passed through (or should have passed through) theseed tube along with the cascade of dust and debris. Thus, in apreferred embodiment, when there are more than two pulses in series withan interval of less than 0.85 T_(presumed), all the signal pulsesdetected after that occurrence are classified as non-seeds until thereis an interval detected that is greater than 0.85 T_(presumed). Anysignal pulse classifying as a non-seed is not taken into account in anycalculations for determining percent singulation values 1122. In thepreferred embodiment, in order to maintain correct population values1100 when the interval is less than 0.85 T_(presumed), the interval ismeasured from the last “good” seed occurrence prior to the rapid signalevent that produced the “non-seed” classification until the first “good”seed classification. The accumulated seed value is corrected or adjustedby adding to the count of “good” seeds the number of occurrencescorresponding to the number of times T_(presumed) can be divided intonon-seed classification time period leaving no remainder greater than1.85 T_(presumed).

It should be appreciated, that because T_(presumed) will vary withplanter speed, which continually changes during the planting operationas the planter slows down or speeds up based on field conditions (i.e.,hilly terrain, when turning or when approaching the end of the field,etc.), T_(presumed) is a dynamic or continuously changing number. Onemethod of deriving T_(presumed) is as follows:

a) Determine average across all rows of previous 1 seed (T1 _(Avg)) asfollows:

-   -   1) For each row, store the time interval from the last seed.        Sort from minimum to maximum    -   2) Calculate the average time interval across all rows    -   3) If the ratio of the smallest interval divided by the average        interval from step 2 is ≦0.75, then remove lowest number and        repeat step 2.    -   4) If the ratio of the maximum interval divided by the average        interval is ≧1.25, then remove maximum interval and repeat step        2.    -   5) T1 _(Avg) is the average time interval across all rows where        the ratio of smallest time interval divided by the average time        interval is ≧0.75 and ratio of the maximum interval divided by        the average interval is ≦1.25.

b) Determine average time interval across all rows of previous 5 seeds(T5 _(Avg)) as follows:

-   -   1) For each row, store the time intervals of last five seeds in        circular buffer; exclude intervals where the time interval to        the next seed is less than 0.5 T1 _(Avg) or greater than 1.5 T1        _(Avg).    -   2) Calculate the row average (i.e., the average time interval        for each row) by dividing the sum of the stored time intervals        from step 1 by the seed count from step 1.    -   3) Determine the row ratio.        -   if the time interval since the last seed is ≦1.5× row            average, then row ratio=1        -   if the time interval since the last seed is >1.5× row            average, then row ratio=(1−(last time interval÷(row            average×5)))    -   4) For each row, multiply the row ratio by the row average and        sum the products.    -   5) Calculate T5 _(Avg) by dividing the value from step 4 by the        sum of the row ratios.

c) Determine average time interval across all rows of previous 20 seeds(T20 _(Avg))

-   -   1) For each row, store the time intervals of last 20 seeds in        circular buffer; exclude intervals where the time interval to        the next seed is less than 0.5 T1 _(Avg) or greater than 1.5 T1        _(Avg).    -   2) Calculate the row average (i.e., the average time interval        for each row) by dividing the sum of the stored time intervals        from step 1 by the seed count from step 1.    -   4) Determine the row ratio.        -   if the time interval since the last seed is ≦1.5× row            average, then row ratio=1        -   if the time interval since the last seed is >1.5× row            average, then row ratio=(1−(last time interval÷(row            average×20)))    -   5) Calculate T20 _(Avg) by dividing the value from step 4 by the        sum of the row ratios.

d) Determine T_(presumed):

-   -   1) If all values have been filtered out, then T_(presumed)=T1        _(Avg).    -   2) Else, if T20 _(Avg)≧1.1×T5 _(Avg) and T20 _(Avg)≧T1 _(Avg),        then T_(presumed)=T5 _(Avg).    -   3) Else, if T20 _(Avg)≦0.9×T5 _(Avg) and T20 _(Avg)≦T1 _(Avg),        then T_(presumed)=T5 _(Avg).    -   4) Else, T_(presumed)=T20 _(Avg).

Obviously other methods of deriving T_(presumed) may be equally suitableand therefore the present invention should not be construed as beinglimited to the foregoing method for deriving T_(presumed).

The percentage of skips (% Skips) 1124 can be determined by adding thetotal number of skips detected across all rows over a predefined seedcount (preferably the Averaged Seed value 1302 specified during Setup(default is 300 seeds)) and then dividing the total number of skips bythat seed count. Similarly, the percentage of multiples (% Mults) 1126can be determined by adding the total number of multiples detectedacross all rows over the same predefined seed count and then dividingthe total number of multiples by the predefined seed count. The percentsingulation value 1122 may then be calculated by adding the % Skips 1124and % Mults 1126 and subtracting that sum from 100%.

In addition to displaying the percent singulation value 1122, theSingulation Window 1014 also preferably displays a graph 1128 forgraphically representing the numeric percentage singulation 1122relative to the 100% singulation target. The graph 1128 also preferablydisplays hash marks 1130 incrementally spaced across the graph 1128corresponding to the Singulation Deviation limits 1350 (FIG. 11)specified during setup. An indicator 1132, such as a large diamond,preferably identifies the percent singulation value 1122 relative to the100% singulation target. Other distinguishable indicators 1134, such assmaller diamonds, preferably indicated the corresponding singulationpercentages of the individual rows relative to the 100% singulationtarget. Additionally, the Singulation Window 1014 also preferablyidentifies numerically the planter row that is planting at the lowestsingulation percentage 1136 (which in the example in FIG. 5 is row 23)along with the percent singulation value 1138 for that row.

Similar to the Population Window 1012 previously discussed, theSingulation Window 1014 preferably provides some sort of visual oraudible alarm to alert the operator of the occurrence of any yieldrobbing events related to singulation. An alarm condition related tosingulation may include, for example, the occurrence of the percentsingulation value 1122 falling outside of the singulation deviationlimits 1350 specified during setup. Another alarm condition may include,for example, when an average percent singulation of two or more rowsexceeds the singulation deviation limits 1350 for five consecutive 1 Hzcalculations, for example. Another alarm condition may include, when onerow exceeds the singulation deviation limits 1350 by more than two timesfor five consecutive 1 Hz calculations, for example. As before, manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Singulation Window 1014 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms to indicate the occurrence ofa yield robbing event related to singulation. All such variations inalarm conditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the preferred touch screen GUI1004 of the monitor system 1000 allows the operator to select differentareas of the Singulation Window 1014 which will cause the monitor todisplay additional relevant detail related to the feature selected. Forexample, if the operator touches the calculated percent singulationvalue 1122, the screen changes to display the Level 2 SingulationDetails screen (FIG. 7). If the operator touches the area of the screenin the Singulation Window 1014 in which the low singulation row 1136 isdisplayed, the screen changes to the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) whichdisplays the details of that specific row.

Skips/Mults Window 1016: The Skips/Mults Window 1016 preferably displaysthe value of the calculated % Skips 1124 and % Mults 1126 as previouslyidentified. As with the other Windows previously described, theSkips/Mults Window 1016 may provide some sort of visual or audible alarmto alert the operator if the % Skips or % Mults exceed predefinedlimits.

Good Spacing Window 1018: The Good Spacing Window 1018 preferablyincludes a numeric percent good spacing value 1140 representing therunning average percentage of “good” seed spacing versus “misplaced”seeds, i.e., the number of seeds categorized as “misplaced2” or“misplaced4” (as previously defined) over the predefined samplingfrequency (preferably 0.1 Hz). Once the number of misplaced2 andmisplaced4 seeds are known in relation to the number of seeds during thesample period, then the percentage of misplaced2 seeds (% MP2) and thepercent misplaced4 seeds (% MP4) relative to good spaced seeds isreadily ascertained. Likewise, the percent good spacing value 1140 isreadily ascertained by subtracting the sum of % MP2 and % MP4 from 100%.

In addition to displaying the calculated percent good spacing value1140, the Good Spacing Window 1018 also preferably includes a graph 1142for graphically representing the percent good spacing value 1140relative to the 100% good spacing target. Hash marks 1144 are preferablyprovided to identify a scale from 80% to 100% at 5% increments. Anindicator 1146, such as a large diamond, preferably identifies thecalculated good spacing value 1140 relative to the 100% good spacingtarget. Other distinguishable indicators 1148, such as smaller diamonds,preferably identify the corresponding good spacing percentages of theindividual rows relative to the 100% goods spacing target. Additionally,the Good Spacing Window 1018 also preferably identifies numerically theplanter row that is planting at the lowest good spacing percentage 1150(which in the example in FIG. 5 is row 9) along with the numericalpercent good spacing value 1152 for that row.

Similar to the other Windows 1012, 1014 the Good Spacing Window 1018preferably provides some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator of the occurrence of any yield robbing events related tospacing. An alarm condition related to spacing may include, for example,if the overall percent good spacing value 1140 or row specific spacingvalue falls below a predetermined deviation limit, such as 90%. Manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Good Spacing Window 1018 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms similar to those describedwith the other Windows 1012, 1014 to indicate the occurrence of a yieldrobbing event related to spacing. All such variations in alarmconditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scope ofthe present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 of the monitorsystem 1000 allows the operator to select different areas of the GoodSpacing Window 1018 which will cause the monitor to display additionalrelevant detail related to the feature selected. For example, if theoperator touches the calculated percent good spacing value 1140, thescreen changes to display the Level 2 Placement Details screen (FIG. 8).If the operator touches the area of the screen in the Good SpacingWindow 1018 in which the low row 1150 is displayed, the screen changesto the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) which displays the details of thatspecific row.

Smooth Ride Window 1020: The Smooth Ride Window 1020 preferably displaysthe smooth ride percentage value 1154. The smoothness of the ride isestimated based on the percentage of time the vertical velocity of therow unit is less than a predefined vertical velocity limit (VVL). In thepreferred embodiment, the VVL is four inches per second (4 in/sec). ThisVVL was selected based on empirical data which established that seedspacing was measurably affected when the row unit was subjected tovertical velocities above 4 in/sec.

The number of times the vertical velocity of the row unit 12 on whichthe sensor 500 is mounted exceeds the VVL is counted over a predefinedtime period (preferably 30 seconds). The percentage of time during thepredefined time period that the VVL was exceeded is then calculated foreach sensor 500 and then an average is calculated (Ave % T>VVL). Thesmooth ride percentage value 1154 is then calculated by subtracting thevalue of Ave % T>VVL from 100%.

In addition to displaying the calculated smooth ride percentage value1154, the Smooth Ride Window 1020 also preferably displays a graph 1156to graphically represent the smooth ride percentage value 1154 relativeto the 100% smooth ride target. Incremental hash marks 1158 preferablyidentify a scale, such as at 85%, 90% and 95%, across a predefinedrange, preferably from a low of 80% smooth ride to 100% smooth ride. Anindicator 1160, such as a large diamond, preferably identifies thecalculated smooth ride percentage value 1154 relative to the 100% smoothride target. Other distinguishable indicators 1162, such as smallerdiamonds, preferably identify the corresponding smooth ride percentagesof the individual rows relative to the 100% smooth ride target.Additionally, the Smooth Ride Window 1020 also preferably identifiesnumerically the planter row that is planting at the lowest smooth ridepercentage 1164 (which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 14) along withthe numerical smooth ride percentage value 1166 for that row.

As with the other Windows 1012, 1014, 1018 the Smooth Ride Window 1020preferably provides some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator of the occurrence of any yield robbing events related to thesmoothness of the ride. An alarm condition related to ride smoothnessmay include, for example, if the overall smooth ride percentage 1154 orany row specific smooth ride percentage falls below a predetermineddeviation limit, such as 90%. Also as with the other Windows, manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Smooth Ride window 1020 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms to indicate the occurrence ofa yield robbing event related to ride smoothness. All such variations inalarm conditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Speed Window 1022: The Speed Window 1022 preferably displays thevelocity 1168 of the planter in miles per hour (mph). In the preferredembodiment, the velocity 1168 is preferably averaged over the last fiveseconds of data collected by the GPS unit 100 unless the planteracceleration (ΔVI/Δt) is greater than 1 mph/sec, in which event, thevelocity 1168 is preferably displayed as the actual velocity collectedby the GPS unit 100.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Speed Window 1022may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operatorif the speed falls below or exceeds predefined limits. Additionally, ifthe processing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performanceand to logically identify if speed is a contributing factor to a lowsmooth ride percentage 1154 or low good spacing value 1140, for example,an alarm condition may be triggered producing a visual or audibleindication as previously described in connection with the other Windows.

Vacuum Window 1024: The Vacuum Window 1024 preferably displays thevacuum value 1170 in inches of water (in H₂O). If the type of meterselected during setup was other than “vacuum” the Vacuum Window 1024 ispreferably blank or not displayed. If “vacuum” was selected duringsetup, but no vacuum sensor 700 is connected to the monitor 1000 or datafrom the vacuum sensor 700 is otherwise not being communicated to themonitor 1000, the Vacuum Window 1024 may show a zero vacuum value, orthe window may be blank or not displayed.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Vacuum Window 1024may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operatorif the vacuum falls below or exceeds predefined limits. Additionally, ifthe processing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performanceand to logically identify if the vacuum is a contributing factor to alow singulation percentage 1122 or poor spacing percentage 1140, orexcessive % Skips 1126 or % Mults 1124, for example, an alarm conditionmay be triggered producing a visual or audible indication as previouslydescribed in connection with the other Windows.

Downforce Window 1026: The Downforce Window 1026 preferably displays aground contact parameter 1172 (preferably as a percentage of groundcontact over a predefined sampling period). The Downforce Window 1026may also include an area for displaying the average downforce value 1174and/or alternatively, or in addition, the Downforce window 1026 maydisplay the “load margin” 1175 (not shown). The percent ground contactparameter 1172 is preferably derived as more fully explained inPCT/US08/50427, previously incorporated herein by reference. The averagedownforce value 1174 may be derived by averaging the detected loadvalues over a predefined time period across all load sensors 300 on theplanter. The load margin 1175 is preferably calculated and/or derived byany of the methods disclosed in PCT/US08/50427. The downforce value 1174and/or load margin 1175 may also be displayed graphically as disclosedin PCT/US08/50427.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Downforce Window1026 may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator if the downforce, load margin, or the ground contact parameterexceeds or falls below predefined limits. Additionally, if theprocessing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performance andto logically identify if a low ground contact parameter and/or low orexcessive downforce or load margin is a contributing factor to a lowsmooth ride percentage 1154, for example, an alarm condition may betriggered producing a visual or audible indication as previouslydescribed in connection with the other Windows.

Economic Loss Window 1028: The Economic Loss Window 1028 preferablydisplays the economic loss value 1176 in dollars lost per acre($Loss/acre) attributable to the various yield robbing events. Thecalculated economic loss value 1176 may be continually displayed or thevalue may only be displayed only upon an alarm condition, such as whenthe value exceeds a predefined value, such as, for example, $3.00/acre.If an alarm condition is not present, the Economic Loss Window 1028 maysimply display the word “Good” or some other desired designation.

In the preferred embodiment each occurrence of a yield robbing event isassociated with an economic loss factor. In the preferred embodiment,the economic loss factor is an Ear Loss (EL) factor 1310. For example,empirical data has shown that, when compared to a plant maturing from aseed properly spaced from adjacent seeds (typically six to seven inchesfor thirty inch rows at plant populations around 32000 seeds/acre), if aseed is misplaced such that it is only two inches from an adjacent seed(i.e., misplaced2), the net loss will be about 0.2 ears (i.e., EL=0.2).A misplaced seed that is only four inches from an adjacent seed (i.e.,misplaced4) will have a net loss of about 0.1 ears (i.e., EL=0.1). Askip has been found to result in a net loss of 0.8 ears (EL=0.8). Adouble has been found to result in a net loss of 0.4 ears (EL=0.4).

The foregoing EL factors assume that the grower is planting “flex”hybrids as opposed to “determinate” hybrids. Simply described, a flexhybrid is one where a plant will produce larger ears depending upon seedspacing due to less competition for sunlight and nutrients. Thus, forexample, if there is a space larger than four inches between an adjacentplant in a row, a flex hybrid plant will presumably receive additionalsunlight and more nutrients than seeds spaced at four inches or less,enabling it to produce a larger ear with more kernels. By contrast, adeterminate hybrid will have the same ear size regardless of increasedseed spacing.

With the foregoing understanding, based on empirical data, the skip ELfactor was derived by taking into account that although one ear has beenlost due to the skip, the two adjacent plants on either side of the skipeach increase their respective ear size by 10%. Thus, the net ear lossfor a skip is only 0.8 ears instead of a whole ear (i.e.,−1+0.1+0.1=−0.8). For a further example, if future hybrids have theability to increase ear size by 50% on either side of a skip, then thenet ear loss would approach zero as each adjacent plant has added 50%,thereby making up for the entire lost ear (i.e., −1+0.5+0.5=0.0). Thus,it should be understood that these EL factors may change over time asthe characteristics of corn hybrids continue to evolve and improve. Assuch, in the preferred embodiment, the default EL factors may be variedby the operator. By associating an EL factor to each occurrence of askip, multiple, misplaced2 and misplaced4 seed, an economic lossattributable to each of these yield robbing events over a samplingperiod can be determined.

In addition to skips, multiples and misplaced seeds, the loss of groundcontact and excessive downforce are also yield robbing events.Accordingly, in the preferred monitor system EL factors are alsoassociated with each of these yield robbing events.

The economic loss attributed to excessive downforce is preferably basedon load margin 1175 as previously discussed in connection with theDownforce Window 1026 and as disclosed in PCT/US08/50427. In thepreferred system, the following EL factors are applied based on themagnitude of the load margin:

-   -   1) If load margin<50 lbs, EL=0    -   2) If 50 lbs≦load margin≦100 lbs, EL=0.05    -   3) If 100 lbs≦load margin≦200 lbs, EL=0.1    -   4) If load margin>200 lbs=0.15

As disclosed in the PCT/US08/50427, the sampling period or frequency ofdetecting the load margin may vary. However, in the preferred monitorsystem of the present invention, the sampling period is preferably thesame as the seed planting rate such that a load margin is calculatedwith respect to each seed. Accordingly, an EL factor based on loadmargin can be applied to each seed planted. With an EL factor assignedto the load margin for each seed planted, an average EL (i.e.,EL_(Avg-Excess Load)) factor for a given sampling period may then becalculated. The EL_(Avg-Excess Load) factor multiplied by the number ofseeds in the sampling period may be used for determining the percentageof yield loss attributable to load margin during the sampling period asdiscussed below.

As for the economic loss attributable to loss of ground contact, itshould be appreciated that the longer the duration that the depthregulating member of the row unit is not in contact with the soil, thegreater will be the loss in depth of the furrow. In the preferred systeman EL factor of 0.5 is multiplied by the percentage of time during asampling period that there has been loss of ground contact (% ContactLost) to determine the percentage of yield loss attributable to loss ofground contact during the sampling period. The sampling period may beany desired time period, but in the preferred embodiment, the samplingperiod for this EL factor is preferably the time required to plant 300seeds at the seed population specified during Setup.

In order to provide an economic loss information in a format useful tothe operator, the preferred embodiment displays the economic loss indollars lost per acre (i.e., $Loss/Acre). However, it should beappreciated that the economic loss may be presented in any desiredunits. Under the preferred $Loss/Acre units, the economic loss may becalculated by multiplying the percentage of yield lost due to the yieldrobbing event by the projected yield and multiplying that product by theprice of the grain. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the$Loss/Acre may be calculated by the following formula:

$Loss/Acre=% Yield Lost×Population×(Bushels/Ear)×(Price/Bushel)

-   -   Where: % Yield Lost=Sum of all calculated yield losses        attributable to all occurrences during the sampling period        (e.g., 300 seeds) of skips, multiples, misplaced2, misplaced4,        ground contact loss and load margin; i.e., 0.8(% Skips)+0.4(%        Mults)+0.2(% MP2)+0.1(% MP4)+0.5(% Contact        Loss)+EL_(Avg-Excess Load)(300 seeds). Note, the foregoing EL        factors may vary as set by the operator during Setup as        previously described.        -   Population=The target seed population specified during setup        -   Bushels/Ear=Estimated number of ears required to produce one            bushel of shelled corn (default=1 bu/140 ears); preferably            configurable through Setup

Price/Bushel=Estimated price of corn per bushel (default=$2.50/bu);preferably configurable through Setup

As with the other Windows previously described, the Economic Loss Window1028 may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator if the economic loss exceeds a predefined limit. Additionally,the Economic Loss Window 1028 may be associated or tied to the otherWindows 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026 such that if analarm condition is met in any of these other Windows, and such alarmcondition is found to be the contributing factor to the alarm conditionin the Economic Loss Window, then both Windows produce a visual oraudible indication of the alarm condition as previously described inconnection with the other Windows.

Setup button 1030: Upon pressing the Setup button 1030, the monitor 1000is preferably programmed to display the Setup screen 1300 (FIG. 11)through which the operator can make selections and/or input data via thepreferred touch screen GUI 1004.

Row Details button 1032: Upon pressing the Row Details button 1032, themonitor is preferably programmed to display the Row Selection screen1220 (FIG. 10) through which the operator can select a Level 3 Screen(discussed later) for that particular row.

SnapShot button 1034: Upon pressing the Snapshot button 1034, themonitor 1000 is preferably programmed to store all data inputs from thevarious sensors on a read/writable storage medium for a predefined timeperiod, preferably ninety seconds, across all row units. Theread/writable storage medium may be a magnetic data storage tape ordisk, or a solid state semi-conductor memory storage device such asflash memory or a memory card, or the read/writable storage medium maybe any type of remote computer or storage device to which data can becommunicated by via a wired or wireless connection. The purpose of theSnapShot button 1034 will be described in detail later.

Back button 1036: The Back button 1036 changes the screen to thepreviously displayed screen.

Level 2 Screens (FIGS. 6-8)

Population Details Screen (FIG. 6): FIG. 6 is an example of a preferredembodiment for displaying population details in a bar graph format forall rows of a planter. In the example of FIG. 6, a bar graph 1200 of thepopulation details for a 32 row planter is shown. The number of rowsdisplayed for the bar graph 1200 may be dynamic based on the number ofrows entered during Setup. Alternatively, the number of rows may remainfixed on the screen with data only being displayed for the number ofrows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1202 on the bar graph 1200 corresponds to thepopulation target 1338 (FIG. 11) entered during Setup and the verticalscale of the bar graph 1200 preferably corresponds to the deviationlimit 1342 (e.g., ±1000 seeds) specified during Setup. The numericpopulation value 1112 for each row is graphically displayed as a databar 1204 above or below the horizontal line 1202 depending on whetherthe numeric population value is greater then or less then the targetpopulation value 1338, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, if aparticular row approaches or exceeds the deviation limit 1342, an alarmcondition is triggered and the data bar 1204 for that row preferablyincludes a visual indication that it is in alarm condition. For example,in the preferred embodiment, the data bar 1204 for a row in an alarmcondition is colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars 1204 ofthe rows that are not in an alarm condition are green (clear bars).Alternatively, the data bars 1204 may flash under an alarm condition orchange to a different color, such as red, under specific alarmconditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbing event. Aswith the different Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a bar 1204 for a particular row to changethe screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row. The uparrow button 1206 and down arrow button 1206 preferably enables theoperator to scroll between the various Level 2 Screens (FIGS. 6-8) ashereinafter described. The Back button 1036 changes to the previouslydisplayed screen. The Home button 1209 returns to the Level 1 Screen(FIG. 5). The Row Details button 1032 preferably displays the RowSelection screen (FIG. 10).

Singulation Details Screen (FIG. 7): FIG. 7 is an example of a preferredembodiment for displaying singulation details in a bar graph format forall rows of a planter. In the example of FIG. 7, a bar graph 1210 of thesingulation details for a 32 row planter is shown. The number of rowsdisplayed for the bar graph 1210 may be dynamic based on the number ofrows entered during Setup. Alternatively, the number of rows may remainfixed on the screen with data only being displayed for the number ofrows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1212 on the bar graph 1210 corresponds to 100%singulation (i.e., zero multiples and zero skips) and the vertical scaleof the bar graph 1210 preferably corresponds to the singulationdeviation limit 1350 (e.g., 1% in FIG. 11) specified during Setup. The %Mults 1126 for a particular row are displayed as a data bar 1184 abovethe horizontal reference line 1212. The % Skips 1124 for a particularrow are displayed as a data bar 1214 below the horizontal reference line1212. In the preferred embodiment, if a particular row approaches orexceeds the singulation deviation limit 1350, an alarm condition istriggered and the data bar 1214 for that row preferably includes avisual indication that it is in alarm condition. For example, in thepreferred embodiment, the data bar 1214 for a row in an alarm conditionis colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars 1214 of the rowsthat are not in an alarm condition are green (clear bars).Alternatively, the data bars 1214 may flash under an alarm condition orchange to a different color, such as red, under specific alarmconditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbing event. Aswith the different Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a bar 1214 for a particular row to changethe screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row. Allother buttons identified on FIG. 7 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6

Placement Details Screen (FIG. 8): FIG. 8 is an example of a preferredembodiment for displaying placement details in a bar graph format forall rows of a planter. In the example of FIG. 8, a bar graph 1216 of thesingulation details for a 32 row planter is shown. The number of rowsdisplayed for the bar graph 1216 may be dynamic based on the number ofrows entered during Setup. Alternatively, the number of rows may remainfixed on the screen with data only being displayed for the number ofrows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1220 on the bar graph 1216 corresponds to 100% goodspacing (i.e., zero misplaced seeds) and the vertical scale of the bargraph 1216 preferably corresponds to a placement deviation limit (e.g.,10%) that may be specified during Setup. The numeric percent goodspacing value 1144 for each row is graphically displayed as a data bar1218 above a horizontal line 1220. In the preferred embodiment, if aparticular row approaches or exceeds the placement deviation limit, analarm condition is triggered and the data bar 1218 for that rowpreferably includes a visual indication that it is in alarm condition.For example, in the preferred embodiment, the data bar 1218 for a row inan alarm condition is colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars1218 of the rows that are not in an alarm condition are green (clearbars). Alternatively, the data bars 1218 may flash under an alarmcondition or change to a different color, such as red, under specificalarm conditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbingevent. As with the Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a data bar 1218 for a particular row tochange the screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row.All other buttons identified on FIG. 8 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6.

Level 3 Screens (FIGS. 9-12):

Row Details (FIG. 9): FIG. 9 is an example of a preferred embodiment fordisplaying Row Details. In the example of FIG. 9, the row details forrow “16” of the planter are illustrated. Preferably, the informationdisplayed in this Level 3 Screen is similar to that displayed in theLevel 1 Screen, except that in the Level 3 Screen, the information isrow specific as opposed to averaged across all rows in the Level 1Screens. Thus, the Level 3 Row Detail Screen preferably includes a RowPopulation window 1220, a Row Singulation window 1222, a RowSkips/Multiples window 1224, a Row Down Force Window 1226, a Row VacuumWindow 1228 (when applicable) and a Row Economic Loss window 1230. TheLevel 3 Row Detail Screen also preferably includes a Row Good Spacingwindow 1232 and, preferably, a graphical Row Seed Placement window 1234.The Home button 1209, Row Details button 1032, Up Arrow button 1206,Down Arrow button 1208, and Back button 1036 perform the same functionsas described for FIG. 6.

Population window 1220: The Population window 1220 preferably displaysthe row population value 1240 calculated as identified under the Level 1Screen except that the row population value 1240 is specific to theselected row and is not averaged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Singulation window 1302: The Singulation window 1302 preferably displaysthe row percent singulation value 1242 calculated as identified underthe Level 1 Screen except the row percent singulation value 1242 isspecific to the selected row and is not averaged as in the Level 1Screen.

Row Skips/Multiples window 1224: The Row Skips/Multiples window 1224preferably displays the row % Skips value 1244 and the row % Mults value1246 calculated as identified under the Level 1 Screen except thesevalues are specific to the selected row and are not averaged as in theLevel 1 Screen.

Row Down Force window 1226: The Row Downforce window 1226 is preferablyonly displayed on rows equipped with the load sensor 300. When the rowof interest is not equipped with a load sensor, the Row Downforce windowis preferably blank. When the row of interest is equipped with a loadsensor 300, the Row Downforce window 1226 preferably cycles between thedisplay of the downforce value 1248 (lbs), and/or the load margin,and/or the ground contact parameter 1250. As disclosed in PCT/US08/50427the downforce may be the load value (i.e., total load) detected during apredefined sampling period (e.g., 1 second time periods). The loadmargin is preferably the value calculated and/or derived as disclosed inPCT/US08/50427. Likewise, the ground contact parameter 1250 ispreferably determined by the methods disclosed in PCT/US08/50427.

Row Vacuum Window 1228: The Row Vacuum Window 1228 is preferably onlydisplayed on rows equipped with a vacuum sensor 700. When the row ofinterest is not equipped with a vacuum sensor, the Row Vacuum window ispreferably blank. When the row of interest is equipped with a vacuumsensor, the Row Vacuum window 1228 preferably displays the vacuum 1252(in inches H₂O) for that row.

Row Economic Loss window 1230: The Row Economic Loss window 1230preferably displays the row economic loss value 1232 calculated asidentified under the Level 1 Screen except the row percent singulationvalue 1254 is specific to the selected row and is not totaled across allrows as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Good Spacing window 1230: The Row Good Spacing window 1230preferably displays the row good spacing percentage value 1256calculated as identified under the Level 1 Screen except the row goodspacing percentage value 1256 is specific to the selected row and is notaveraged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Seed Placement window 1234: The Row Seed Placement window 1234preferably graphically displays a representation of each classified seeddetected in that row (i.e., good, skip, multiple, misplaced2,misplaced4) over a distance behind the planter scrolling from the righthand side of the window to the left hand side of the window. In thepreferred embodiment, good seeds are represented as green plants 1258,skips are represented by a red circle-X 1260, doubles and misplaced2seeds are represented as red plants 1262 and misplaced4 seeds arerepresented as yellow plants 1264. Of course, it should be appreciatedthat any other graphical representation of the seeds may be equallysuitable and therefore any and all graphical representation of seedplacement should be considered within the scope of the presentinvention. The Row Placement window 1234 preferably includes a distancescale 1266 representative of the distance behind the planter that theseeds/plants are displayed. Preferably the Row Placement window 1234includes a “reverse” or rewind button 1268, a “fast forward” button1270, and a play/pause button 1272. The reverse button 1268 preferablycauses the distance scale 1266 to incrementally increase in distancebehind the planter (such as 25 feet) and scrolls the plants to the right(as opposed to the left) to permit the operator to review the seedplacement further behind the planter. Alternatively, rather thanscrolling the graphical representation of the seeds/plants, the reversebutton may cause the scale to “zoom out,” for example the scale mayincrease at five foot increments to a scale of 0 to 25 feet instead of 0to 10 feet. Similarly, the fast forward button 1270 permits the user toeither scroll to the right up to zero feet behind the planter or to“zoom in” the distance scale. The play/pause button 1272 preferablypermits the operator to pause or freeze the screen to stop theplants/seeds from scrolling and, upon pushing the button 1272 again, toresume the scrolling of the seeds.

Row Selection (FIG. 10): A preferred embodiment of the Row SelectionScreen 1274 is illustrated in FIG. 10 in which a plurality of buttons1276 are displayed corresponding to the row number of the planter. Bytouching a button 1276 corresponding to the row of interest, thepreferred touch screen GUI 1004 displays the Level 3 Row Details Screen(FIG. 9) for the selected planter row. The number of buttons 1276displayed may vary depending on the size of the planter entered duringSetup. Alternatively, the Row Selection Screen 1274 may have a fixednumber of buttons 1276 corresponding to the largest planter available,but if the operator specifies a smaller number of rows during Setup,only the rows corresponding to the planter size entered would providethe foregoing functionality. All other buttons identified on FIG. 10perform the same functions as described for FIG. 6. The Row Detailsbutton 1032 is preferably not displayed in this screen.

Setup Screen (FIG. 1 1: The preferred embodiment of a Setup Screen 1300is illustrated in FIG. 11. The Setup Screen 1300 preferably includes aplurality of predefined windows, each of which preferably displaysrelevant configuration information and opens a Level 4 Screen forentering that configuring information. The preferred windows include aField window 1302, a Crop window 1304, a Population window 1306, aPopulation Limits window 1308, a Meter window 1310, a Planter window1312, a Singulation Limits window 1314, an Averaged Seeds window 1316,an Ear Loss window 1318 and a File & Data Transfer window 1320. Theother buttons identified on FIG. 11 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6. The Row Details button 1032 is preferably notdisplayed in this screen.

Field window 1302: The Field window 1302 preferably opens a Level 4Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen similar to the alpha-numeric keypad 1322illustrated in FIG. 12 by which the operator can type alpha-numericcharacters for entering a field identifier 1324. Preferably, uponpressing the “Enter” button 1326, the operator is returned to the SetupScreen 1300 and the field identifier 1324 is caused to be displayed inthe Field window 1302.

Crop window 1304: The Crop window 1304 preferably opens a Level 4 CropSelection Screen 1328, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated inFIG. 12. The Crop Selection Screen 1328 preferably includes a pluralityof predefined crop-type buttons 1330 each having a crop type designator1332 corresponding to the name of the most typical crops planted by rowcrop planters, namely, corn, beans, and cotton. Upon selecting one ofthese buttons, the operator is preferably returned to the Setup Screen1300 and the corresponding crop-type designator 1332 is displayed in theCrop window 1304. The Crop Selection Screen 1328 also preferablyincludes a button labeled “Other” 1334, which upon selection, permitsthe operator to manually type in the name of the crop-type designator1332 (e.g., sorghum or some other type of crop) into the window 1336through the alpha-numeric keypad 1322. Upon pressing the “Enter” button1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the cropdesignator 1322 manually typed in is displayed in the Crop window 1304.The other buttons identified on FIG. 11 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6.

Population window 1306: The Population window 1306 preferably displaysthe target seed population 1338. The target seed population 1338 may bea uniform target population, a variable population, or an exceptionpopulation, and is preferably set through a Level 4 Population SettingsScreen 1340, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 13(discussed later). The Population Settings Screen 1340 preferably opensupon selection of the Population window 1306 through the preferred touchscreen GUI 1004.

Population Limits window 1308: The Population Limits window 1308preferably opens the Level 4 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) aspreviously discussed by which the operator can type in the desired thepopulation deviation limit 1342 if the operator does not wish to use thedefault limit of 1000 seeds. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter”button 1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and thepopulation deviation limit 1342 is caused to be displayed in thePopulation Limits window 1308. The population deviation limit 1342 isthe number of seeds by which the actual seed count may vary beforesetting off an alarm condition, and it is the value used in the scale ofthe bar graph 1200 in the Level 2 Population Details Screen of FIG. 6.

Meter window 1310: The Meter window 1310 preferably opens a Level 4Meter Selection Screen (not shown) through which the operator can selectfrom among a plurality of predefined keys corresponding to the metertype 1344 of the metering device 30 used by the planter. The meter typespreferably include finger meters and vacuum meters. Upon selection ofthe meter type 1344, the operator is preferably returned to the SetupScreen 1300 and the meter type 1344 is preferably displayed in the MeterWindow 1310.

Planter window 1312: The Planter window 1312 preferably opens the Level4 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussedthrough which the operator can type in the number of rows 1346 on theplanter and the row spacing 1348 of the planter. Preferably, uponpressing the “Enter” button 1326, the operator is returned to the SetupScreen 1300 and the planter rows 1346 and row spacing 1348 are caused tobe displayed in the Planter window 1312.

Singulation Limits window 1314: The Singulation Limits window 1314preferably opens the Level 4 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) aspreviously discussed through which the operator can type in the desiredsingulation deviation limit 1350 if the operator does not wish to usethe default 1% singulation deviation limit. Preferably, upon pressingthe “Enter” button 1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen1300 and the singulation deviation limits 1350 is caused to be displayedin the Singulation Limits window 1314. The singulation deviation limit1342 is the percentage by which the singulation may vary before settingoff an alarm condition, and it is the percentage used in the scale ofthe bar graph 1210 in the Level 2 Singulation Details Screen of FIG. 7.

Averaged Seeds window 1316: The Averaged Seeds window 1316 preferablyopens the Level 4 Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previouslydiscussed through which the operator can type in the desired averagedseeds value 1352 if the operator does not wish to use the defaultaveraged seeds value of 300. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter”button 1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and theaveraged seeds value 1352 is caused to be displayed in the SingulationLimits window 1314.

Ear Loss window 1318: The Ear Loss window 1318 preferably opens theLevel 4 Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussed through which theoperator can type in the desired loss values 1354 if the operator doesnot wish to use the default values previously discussed. Preferably,upon pressing the “Enter” button 1326, the operator is returned to theSetup Screen 1300 and the ear loss values 1354 entered by the operatorare caused to be displayed in the Ear Loss window 1318. As previouslydiscussed, the ear loss values 1354 are used in calculating the roweconomic loss value 1254 displayed in the Row Economic Loss window 1230(FIG. 9) and the overall economic loss value 1176 displayed in theEconomic Loss window 1028 (FIG. 5).

Level 4 Screen (FIG. 13):

Population Settings Screen (FIG. 13): The Population Settings Screen1340 preferably includes a simple population window 1370, preferably atleast two variable population windows 1372, 1374 and an ExceptionPopulation window 1376. Each of the various population windowspreferably includes a data window 1378 into which the population value1338 may be entered for the particular population type selected. Forexample, if the operator intends to plant a field with a uniformpopulation, the operator would select the simple population window 1370and type in the desired population using the numeric keys in 1380 in thekeypad window 1382. Alternatively, if the operator wishes to vary thepopulation over the field based on field mapping data, for example, theoperator can select the first variable population window 1372 and enterthe first variable population 1338 using the keys 1380 as before. Theoperator can then select the second variable population window 1374 andenter the second variable population value 1338 using the keys 1380. Ifthe operator wishes to plant different rows at different populations,for example when planting seed corn, the operator can select theexception population window 1376 and enter the seed population value1338 for the exception rows using the keys 1380. In the preferredembodiment, the operator can then preferably select the exception rowsby touching the corresponding planter row indicator 1384 in theexception row window 1386 to which the exception population will apply.In the example of FIG. 13, the operator has selected every fifth row ofthe planter to plant the exception population of 21000 seeds, whereasthe non-highlighted rows will plant at the designated simple populationof 31200 seeds.

In the preferred embodiment, if the first variable population window1372 is selected, the simple population window 1370 and the exceptionpopulation window 1376 preferably change to variable population windows,thus allowing the operator to set four variable populations.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A monitor system for an agricultural seed planter having a pluralityof row units, each of the plurality of row units having a depthregulation member and a seed meter adapted to discharge seeds in a seedpath, the monitor system comprising: a seed sensor disposed with respectto the seed path to generate seed signals as the seeds pass; a loadsensor associated with at least one of the depth regulation members anddisposed to generate load signals corresponding to loads exerted on thedepth regulation member; a visual display; processing circuitry operablyelectrically coupled to said visual display, to each load sensor and toeach seed sensor, said processing circuitry configured to monitor anddisplay information pertaining to the planter operation (“Seed PlantingInformation”), said processing circuitry further configured to monitorand display information pertaining to loads exerted on the depthregulation member (“Load Information”).
 2. The monitor system of claim 1wherein said Seed Planting Information includes actual seed population.3. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein said Seed Planting Informationincludes skips and multiples detected during a sampling period.
 4. Themonitor system of claim 3 wherein said Seed Planting Informationincludes misplaced seeds.
 5. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein saidSeed Planting Information includes a running average percentage of goodspaced seeds versus misplaced seeds.
 6. The monitor system of claim 1further comprising: a vertical accelerometer associated with at leastone of the row units and disposed to detect vertical acceleration of therow unit as the planter traverses the field; said processing circuitryfurther configured to calculate and display ride roughness of the rowunit.
 7. The monitor system of claim 1 further comprising: a horizontalaccelerometer associated with at least one of the row units and disposedto detect horizontal acceleration of the row unit as the plantertraverses the field; said processing circuitry further configured tocalculate the ratio of a standard deviation of said detected horizontalacceleration divided by a standard deviation of said detected verticalacceleration and further wherein said processing circuitry is configuredto generate an alarm condition if said standard deviations of saiddetected horizontal acceleration over said detected verticalacceleration increases.
 8. The monitor system of claim 1 furthercomprising: an inclinometer associated with at least one of the rowunits and disposed to detect the angle of the row unit with respect tovertical; said processing circuitry further configured to generate analarm condition if said detected row unit angle with respect to verticalexceeds a predefined limit.
 9. The monitor system of claim 2 furthercomprising: a user interface operably electrically coupled to saidprocessing circuitry to input a target seed population; wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to graphically display saidactual seed population in relation to said target seed population. 10.The monitor system of claim 9 wherein said graphical display includes abar graph display wherein a bar representative of an actual seeding rateof each row unit is displayed in relation to a scale associated withsaid target population.
 11. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein saidSeed Planting Information includes a pictorial representation of seedsplanted by the row unit indicating good spaced seeds, misplaced seeds,seed skips and seed multiples.
 12. The monitor system of claim 1 whereinsaid Load Information includes a soil load value, wherein said soil loadvalue is the total load exerted on the soil by the depth regulatingmember.
 13. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein said Load Informationincludes a load margin.
 14. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein saidLoad Information further includes a ground contact parameter of thedepth regulating member.
 15. The monitor system of claim 13 wherein saidLoad Information includes a ground contact parameter of the depthregulating member.
 16. The monitor system of claim 4 wherein said LoadInformation includes a load margin.
 17. The monitor system of claim 4wherein said Load Information includes a ground contact parameter of thedepth regulating member.
 18. The monitor system of claim 16 wherein saidLoad Information further includes a ground contact parameter of thedepth regulating member.
 19. The monitor system of claim 3 wherein saidprocessing circuitry is programmed to calculate and display economicloss based on said detected skips and multiples.
 20. The monitor systemof claim 4 wherein said processing circuitry is programmed to calculateand display economic loss based on said detected skips, multiples andmisplaced seeds.
 21. The monitor system of claim 13 wherein saidprocessing circuitry is configured to calculate and display economicloss based on said load margin.
 22. The monitor system of claim 14wherein said processing circuitry is configured to calculate and displayeconomic loss based on said ground contact parameter.
 23. The monitorsystem of claim 15 wherein said processing circuitry is to calculate anddisplay economic loss based on said load margin and said ground contactparameter.
 24. The monitor system of claim 16 wherein said processingcircuitry is programmed to calculate and display economic loss based onsaid detected skips, multiples, misplaced seeds and said load margin.25. The monitor system of claim 17 wherein said processing circuitry isprogrammed to calculate and display economic loss based on said detectedskips, multiples, misplaced seeds and said ground contact parameter. 26.The monitor system of claim 18 wherein said processing circuitry isprogrammed to calculate and display economic loss based on said detectedskips, multiples, misplaced seeds, load margin and ground contactparameter.
 27. A method of advising a planter operator concerning yieldrobbing events during planting operations, said method comprising:detecting the occurrence of yield robbing events relating to theplanting operations; calculating an economic loss for said detectedyield robbing events; displaying on a display said calculated economicloss.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein said yield robbing eventsinclude occurrences of skips.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein saidyield robbing events include occurrences of multiples.
 30. The method ofclaim 27 wherein said yield robbing events include occurrences ofmisplaced seeds.
 31. The method of claim 27 wherein said yield robbingevents include occurrences of load margin on said depth regulationmember.
 32. The method of claim 27 wherein said yield robbing eventsinclude occurrences loss of ground contact.
 33. The method of claim 28wherein said yield robbing events include occurrences of multiples. 34.The method of claim 33 wherein said yield robbing events includeoccurrences of misplaced seeds.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein saidyield robbing events include occurrences of load margin on said depthregulation member.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein said yield robbingevents include occurrences of loss of ground contact.